The last few years has seen an influx in Westerners moving to the Middle East, and amongst the countries that have become home to many of them is Kuwait. Those moving to Kuwait are not allowed to buy property. Amongst the reasons for this is that it keeps the prices down making it affordable for locals. Therefore for those moving from abroad the only option is to rent. There are many rental options available.

In Kuwait the norm is for Kuwaiti’s to live in houses, which tend to be larger than in Europe. One reason for this is that it is common for several generations of the same family to live together. With the influx of foreigners living in the country though, there has been an increase in the number of apartment blocks. Accommodation in Kuwait has had to be built quickly due to the increase in people coming in, and this is easier to do when building apartments.

Furnished Apartments

Apartments in Kuwait are often serviced and furnished. Many have been specifically built with foreigners in mind and they have been promoted as being perfect for the ‘Western style of living’. Amenities are included, including satellite television (so people can watch programs in their own language and from their own country), children’s playgrounds, and many have a gym, swimming pool and tennis courts. The services included in serviced apartments include cleaning and security. Serviced apartments are perfect for many moving to Kuwait, especially those who are working in the country on a short-term basis, as many are. It is obviously problematic to move furniture from a different country (especially if only for a short time) and these apartment’s mean residence avoid paying for furniture they may only need for a couple of years.

Compounds

A compound is a group of apartments set together within one complex. These are becoming increasingly common in Kuwait, and like individual apartment blocks, are mostly occupied by foreigners. These are very much like private estates, sometimes with other amenities within the compound. Some have become individual expat communities with many people from one nationality or one part of the world living within the same compound.

Villa’s

A lot of Kuwaiti’s live in Villa’s. They are usually large and often detached. They are also popular amongst foreigners. As they are spacious they are suitable for those moving to Kuwait with their family. Some individuals coming to Kuwait for a short period choose to rent a Villa with others who are in a similar situation to them. Villa’s are not as common for foreigners to live in as apartments though.

Andrew Marshall (c)